New York singer-songwriter Pete Mancini talks about touring with Jimmy Webb, a love/hate experience at his first gig, and sharing Tom Petty’s definition of success.
Ron Pope on BBQ, Natty Light, and The Last Great Watering Hole
Nashville singer-songwriter Ron Pope talks about rough times at his earliest gigs, working security at an overpriced jeans store, and learning from whom – and from whom not – to accept suggestions.
Joel Timmons on Diversification and Teaching Geology
South Carolina reared, Nashville-based Joel Timmons talks about roadside tour van repairs and building long lasting relationships in the music business.
Ian Fisher on His Favorite Regional Foods and The Future of Local DIY Scenes
Singer-songwriter Ian Fisher talks about his philosophy of guitar strings and rehearsing on his family’s farm in Missouri.
Sarah McCombie of Chatham Rabbits on Venue Merch Cuts, Authenticity, and Touring in “The Rig”
Sarah McCombie of North Carolina folk duo Chatham Rabbits shares the story behind how they found their tour RV and talks about the good old days.
Beau Janke of Them Coulee Boys on Touring in “The Breakdown King” and Keeping Perspective
Beau Janke of Madison, Wisconsin’s Them Coulee Boys talks about enjoying regional foods while on tour, the rabbit that invaded the band’s rehearsal space, and working as a printmaker.
Fancy Hagood on Chase Rice, Cracker Barrel, and Being an Independent Artist
Singer-songwriter Fancy Hagood talks about “yes men” and “no people” in the music industry and names his favorite Nashville rehearsal space.
Ben Chapman on Guy Clark, Chick-fil-A, and the “Wantcha Back Blues”
Nashville singer-songwriter Ben Chapman talks about the time his tour van was almost stolen, the band he performed with at his first gig, and the business of the music.
CJ Lewandowski of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys on Preventative Maintenance and Oatmeal Cream Pies
CJ Lewandowski, mandolinist and bandleader of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, talks about the ebb and flow of music economics, getting their start as the house band at a Tennessee moonshine distillery, and the time that they had to use a broom handle as the key to their tour bus.
Shawn’s 2018 Favorites
As is always the case, I heard a lot of good music this year.  And there was a lot more good music I didn’t hear. So I’m going to call this my favorites of the year and not suggest they were the best, but only the best that I heard. 1. Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale […]